Puerto Rico Resident Convicted for Cocaine Smuggling at Cyril E. King Airport

Carlos Gascot Concepcion, a 46-year-old resident of Puerto Rico, has been convicted by a federal jury for attempting to smuggle cocaine through Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.

After a two-day trial last week, Gascot Concepcion was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy has scheduled the sentencing for October 4, 2024.

Gascot Concepcion’s arrest took place on October 4, 2023, when he attempted to board a flight to Puerto Rico. During a routine check following Customs clearance at Cyril E. King Airport, Customs and Border Protection officers inspected his suitcase. They discovered a brick-shaped package containing one kilogram of cocaine inside.

The prosecution was managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Kimberly Riley. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.